2-year-old Game Inspired U.va. Win

October 04, 2009|By Jay Edwards Correspondent

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Mikell Simpson needed to remember the player he had been in the past. Friday night, he and the entire Virginia team watched the fourth quarter of their 2007 16-15 comeback win over Maryland, in which he exploded for 271 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.

"(Watching) that game last night inspired me a lot, just to see what I can do and what I know I can do," Simpson said. "I felt better out there than I have felt in a long time."

Every inch of Simpson's 100 yards on 20 carries, including his game-clinching touchdown with 5:49 left in the fourth quarter, felt good to the Cavaliers. Coming into the game against North Carolina, the Virginia rushing attack had been almost nonexistent, producing only 266 yards on the ground in three games. In fact, no Virginia runner had gained more individually than 54 yards that Vic Hall had against William and Mary, and quarterback Jameel Sewell led the team with 98 rushing yards on the season.

"It definitely brought back memories to see 'Juice' (Simpson's nickname) run the way he did," Simpson said. "I think we all came out with something to prove, and I think the offensive line took it personally."

Virginia head coach Al Groh agreed with his players.

"Being able to run the ball effectively was huge for us," Groh said. " I think a lot of players got a better sense of who they need to be."

Simpson, who earned his third 100-yard rushing game of his career, had his best effort since a career-best 170 yards outburst against Texas Tech in the 2008 Gator Bowl. Simpson also added four catches for 45 yards.

Simpson, whose 2008 season was cut short by injury, had also been stymied this year having only 13 carries going into Saturday's game.

"This wasn't really in the game plan," Simpson said, of his 20 carries. "I think it was just dictated by the flow of what happened. But I'll take it. It feels really good, just to get a win."